UNIQUE UKRAINE
OUR UKRAINE IS AS MULTIFACETED AND INTERESTING AS ITS HISTORY.BELOW I WANT TO SHARE A STORY.AND PECULIARITIES OF EACH REGION OF UKRAINE.
KyiV REGION
Kyiv is a majestic city with a rich history, with the depths of a unique culture that reaches deep and wide into its roots. It is said that a plant dies without roots, and a person does not live without the past. Kyiv is the root of our origin. It is one of the few surviving buildings from the times of Rus.
I embroidered Kyiv region as my first region. The association with Kyiv was absolutely clear and unambiguous: St. Sophia Cathedral, or St. Sophia of Kyiv, as it is also called, is one of the landmarks of Kyiv. It is the heart of our identity, a historic building with 260 square meters of mosaics and 3,000 square meters of frescoes. St. Sophia of Kyiv dates back to the times of Kyivan Rus. History speaks of its stability and endurance, it survived wars, so today it stands and pleases us with its greatness of the spiritual world.
CHERKASY REGION
The second region was Cherkasy, which was also clear and there was nothing to think about. Our Great Kobzar, Taras Shevchenko, is a brilliant Ukrainian poet, a giant of the Ukrainian enlightenment, and a prophet of Ukraine. He is the creator of the identity of the Ukrainian people. It seems that he is still looking at us today from the embroidered "Unique Map of Ukraine" under his arm, watching Ukraine and its people, delivering relevant speeches through the years.
This is how he expressed himself:
"Drive the Moskal far away!
Let him rot beside the road!
You offer water to his lips,
But he defiles your very home!"
"Fight— and you shall overcome!
For God is on your side!
Truth and glory stand with you,
And freedom shall abide!"
"Our song, our sacred melody,
Shall never fade nor die...
For here, my people, lies our pride,
The glory of Ukraine on high!"
Тарас Шевченко
ZAPORIZHZHIA REGION
This is the land of the Zaporizhzhian Cossacks, the pride of the Ukrainian nation.
As early as the 17th century, they gained renown for their bravery in the fight for Ukraine’s freedom and dignity. History tells us that the era of the Zaporizhzhian Sich was one of the most remarkable periods of Ukrainian life.
Even today, Cossack blood runs through the veins of the Ukrainian people, who courageously defend their homeland. Cossack valor will prevail—"Ukraine will live."
MYKOLAIV REGION
Mykolaiv is a port city and one of Ukraine’s top three most powerful maritime hubs. It boasts 18 terminals that facilitate transit, export, import, and coastal cargo transportation.
The Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority (USPA) is one of the country’s largest state enterprises. Mykolaiv takes great pride in its Mykolaiv Port Elevator — a major food industry facility located within the seaport, playing a key role in Ukraine’s agricultural exports.
KHERSON REGION
Kherson is a renowned agricultural region, famous for growing a variety of delicious produce—tomatoes, onions, peppers, cabbage, and eggplants. But the true flagship of local farming is the Kherson watermelon.
These legendary watermelons have become a geographical brand, much like Italian Parmesan. They are now an iconic symbol of Kherson, appearing on souvenirs, clothing, and beyond.
POLTAVA REGION
Poltava is the heart of Ukraine’s cultural elite—a land where, through the ages, great writers, poets, thinkers, and artists have been born. It is a place of remarkable creative energy and artistic heritage.
A fragment embroidered on the Poltava section of the artwork is inspired by "Evenings on a Farm Near Dikanka", a collection of stories (1831–1832) by Mykola Hohol (Nikolai Gogol). This masterpiece captures the essence and spirit of a traditional Ukrainian Christmas. The story also inspired the 1961 Soviet film "The Night Before Christmas", directed by Oleksandr Rou.
Poltava is also the birthplace of Ivan Kotliarevsky, a renowned writer, playwright, and the first classic of modern Ukrainian literature, best known for his epic poem "Eneyida".
Another remarkable figure is Olena Pchilka—a writer, translator, folklorist, and ethnographer. Her scholarly work "Ukrainian Ornament" (1876) earned her recognition as Ukraine’s first expert in the ancient art of ornamentation.
Poltava is also home to Kateryna Bilokur, a celebrated folk painter known for her exquisite decorative artwork.
And the list of remarkable Ukrainian artists from this land goes on…
CRIMEA
Crimea is the homeland of the Crimean Tatars, a people who have historically formed their unique culture on this land. Their national symbol, the Tarakh Tamga, also known as the Trident of the Geraïs, holds deep historical significance. Hacı Giray, a descendant of Genghis Khan and the first Crimean Khan, established the Tarakh Tamga as the official state emblem. It is traditionally set against a sky-blue background, symbolizing the vastness of the heavens and the embrace of the sea.
Crimea is also known for its ancient winemaking tradition, which dates back nearly two thousand years. Introduced by the ancient Greeks, viticulture has since become an integral part of the peninsula’s identity, producing wines that are celebrated far beyond its shores.
ODESA REGION
Odesa is the largest region in Ukraine. Its uniqueness lies in its geographical location, as it sits on the shores of the Black Sea. What else could you expect? Endless sea, golden beaches, scorching sun, and the unmistakable local charm.
The region serves as a major trade bridge, connecting Ukraine to international commerce. And from childhood, it was well known—if it’s a seaside resort, it must be Odesa.
CHERNIVTSI REGION
To Chernivtsi, I pay tribute for something deeply symbolic—the Ukrainian vyshyvanka (embroidered shirt). A timeless element of Ukrainian culture, the vyshyvanka has dressed our people in symbols of identity throughout history. It is a powerful amulet—a guardian of our nationality, culture, and the spirit of everyone who wears the name "Ukraine" with pride.
This tradition became even more significant thanks to Lesia Voroniuk, a student at Chernivtsi National University at the time. She founded the incredible holiday known as World Vyshyvanka Day. Since 2006, this event has spread across the world at an astonishing pace. What started as a simple idea—encouraging students to wear embroidered shirts for a day—has grown into a global movement, radiating energy across the world.
ZAKARPATTIA REGION
Zakarpattia region is a picturesque land that captivates with its majestic mountains, seemingly reaching the clouds. The region is synonymous with pure air and rushing rivers, always flowing toward some unseen destination. is a picturesque land that is captivated by its majestic mountains, which seemingly reachIn terms of forested land, Transcarpathia ranks among the top five regions in Ukraine. However, when it comes to density and timber reserves, it proudly takes first place. The richness of nature here is breathtaking, touching the soul with its beauty.
SUMY REGION
Sumy plays a crucial role in Ukraine’s food security, maintaining a leading position in the country’s agricultural sector for many years. Agriculture is the backbone of the regional economy, with corn being its key crop.
Virtually every agricultural enterprise in Sumy—from large agribusiness holdings to small-scale family farms—cultivates corn. The region is among Ukraine’s top five for both corn yield and total grain production. More than two-thirds of the region’s farmland is dedicated to this crop, and its importance continues to grow.
CHERNIHIV REGION
This is a land of bees—creatures that work tirelessly and, when needed, fiercely defend their home.
Beekeeping is one of the oldest and most beloved crafts in Ukraine, dating back to ancient times. During the Kyivan Rus’ era, honey was harvested from forests, meadows, and steppes, serving as the only known sweetener. Beeswax and honey were also vital commodities, used as food, in religious ceremonies, and even as a form of taxation.
In the 19th century, Petro Prokopovych, a native of Chernihiv, revolutionized beekeeping by inventing the world’s first removable-frame hive in 1814. His innovations remain fundamental to modern beekeeping.
Even Taras Shevchenko once said that to work with bees, a person must be not only skilled but also kind and righteous. Ukrainian scholar Mykola Sumtsov echoed this belief, calling beekeeping a pure and noble craft—one that dishonest souls could never master.
Perhaps this is why Ukraine has achieved such extraordinary success in beekeeping, ranking first in Europe and second in the world. How incredible is that?
KHARKIV REGION
This is the land of Hryhorii Skovoroda, Ukraine’s great philosopher and thinker.
I firmly believe that every person has a true calling, and that the meaning of life is to find it. Skovoroda dedicated his entire life to this idea. His philosophical dialogue "The Chorus of Natural Heralds" makes one thing crystal clear—when a person is in the wrong place, they will only corrupt it.
Tragically, this truth is being vividly demonstrated in Ukraine today. For 30 years, our independence was distorted by those in power—leaders who occupied positions not because of their calling, but for personal gain. Yet, in many ways, the people also strayed, leaving Ukraine for economic opportunities abroad, forsaking their own destinies.
Today, these words speak to us all—but are we truly listening?
"Where is the nurturing of the sweetest friendship?
Where is the harmony of the dearest peace?
Where is the liveliness of heartfelt joy?
Who corrupts and degrades every role?
— Misalignment.
Who destroys knowledge and the arts?
— Misalignment.
Who disgraced the sacred and the righteous?
— Misalignment.
It is the poison and the silent killer of every calling."
Hryhorii Skovoroda
LUHANSK REGION
Luhansk is a land of vast steppes and endless fields, where magnificent horses roam freely. This is home to the Derkul Horse Stud, one of the oldest in Ukraine, a true source of pride for Ukrainians.Luhansk is also known for its coal mining industry, much like neighboring Donetsk. The region plays a key role in Ukraine’s energy sector, extracting the "black gold" that has fueled industry for generations.
DONETSK REGION
Donetsk is one of Ukraine’s largest industrial regions. The heart of its economy is coal mining, an industry that dominates much of the Donbas region.
This land has long been known for its hard-working people and industrial power, making it one of Ukraine’s economic strongholds.
DNIPROPETROVSK REGION
Dnipropetrovsk is an agricultural powerhouse, consistently ranking among the top regions in Ukraine for farming. The region excels in growing grain and oilseed crops, mastering the art of cultivation across its fertile lands.
Notably, Dnipropetrovsk holds second place in Ukraine for sunflower production, a testament to its rich soil and advanced agricultural practices.
VINNYTSIA REGION
Vinnytsia is the heart of Ukraine’s sugar industry—one of the oldest and most significant sectors of the country’s food production. Until 1914, sugar, alongside grain, was Ukraine’s top export, making it a key driver of the industrial revolution.
Today, Vinnytsia remains a leader in agriculture, taking first place in Ukraine’s agrarian sector, particularly in the cultivation of sugar beets and fodder crops.
IVANO-FRANKIVSK REGION
This is my homeland, a land of rebellion and resilience. It is also home to the craft village of Pidberezhia, where I was born and raised.
On my embroidered map, I chose to stitch the symbol of my childhood—the art of willow weaving. One of the oldest folk crafts, it evokes memories of home, warmth, and tradition.
But I could not leave out another defining image—the countless oil derricks, scattered across the land, extracting Ukraine’s natural wealth.
TERNOPIL REGION
Ternopil is a land of history, home to the largest number of historical monuments in Ukraine—especially castles.
Embroidered on the map is Skala-Podilskyi Castle (Gunpowder Tower), a national architectural landmark. Perched high on a rocky cliff above the Zbruch River, this medieval fortress traces its origins back to an ancient Rus’ settlement, later destroyed during the Mongol invasion.
VOLYN REGION
Volyn is home to the pristine orchards of Mykytychi, Volodymyr-Volynskyi District—a perfect location for fruit cultivation. The absence of industrial pollution has created a unique microclimate, enriching the flavor of its produce.
Here, Volodymyrski Sady, a 46-hectare agricultural enterprise, nurtures over 110,000 apple trees. The region’s fertile soil makes it one of Ukraine’s most promising areas for fruit growing.
LVIV REGION
Lviv region is often called the treasury of national ideas. It is home to a people who have always fought heroically for their identity and independence.
Lvivshchyna is deeply infused with the spirit of Ukrainian culture, traditions, and national consciousness. This land plays a crucial role in shaping our identity—our nationality.
KHMELNYTSKYI REGION
Khmelnychchyna is a leader in grain production. In 2023, the region’s agricultural enterprises harvested crops across 516,300 hectares, yielding a total of 4.02 million tons of grain—the fifth-largest harvest in Ukraine. However, in terms of yield per hectare (77.8 centners/ha), Khmelnychchyna ranks first in the country.
Meanwhile, local farmers have already sown 220,000 hectares of winter grain crops for the 2024 harvest, further reinforcing the region’s role as an agricultural powerhouse.
RIVNE REGION
Rivne is a region that immediately sparks historical fascination—especially the legacy of the Ostroh princes.
This land is home to Ostroh Academy, a successor of the first institution of higher learning among the East Slavic nations—the Slavic-Greek-Latin Academy of Ostroh. Founded in 1576 by Prince Vasyl-Kostiantyn Ostrozkyi, the academy flourished with financial support from his niece, Princess Halszka Ostrozka.
What made this academy so unique? It adopted a European-style curriculum, previously unheard of in Ukrainian education. Students studied seven liberal arts—grammar, rhetoric, dialectics, arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy—along with higher disciplines like philosophy, theology, and medicine.
Ostroh scholars mastered five languages: Slavic, Polish, Old Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. But beyond its academic achievements, the academy played a key role in uniting two great cultural traditions: Byzantine and Western European—marking the dawn of the Ukrainian Renaissance.
The academy also fostered Ukraine’s most powerful publishing center of the time—the Cyrillic printing house of Ivan Fedorov (Fedorovych).
Among its groundbreaking publications were:
The Slavic-Greek Primer (1578)—Ukraine’s first printed textbook
The New Testament (1580)
"The Book of Collected Necessary Things" by Tymofii Mykhailovych—the first bibliographic index in Cyrillic print
"Chronology" (1581) by Andrii Rymsha—the first printed poetic work in Ukraine
The Ostroh Bible (1581)—the first complete Church Slavonic Bible, later translated into modern Ukrainian by Hieromonk Raphael Turkoniak, published in 2006.
KIROVOHRAD REGION
Kirovohradshchyna stretches from the Dnipro River to the Southern Buh. This agricultural region takes great pride in its fertile black soil, long known for its rich farming traditions.Today, the region is home to over 3,000 agricultural enterprises. In a single season, 2.7 million tons of grain were harvested, placing Kirovohrad region third in Ukraine for total grain production.
ZHYTOMYR REGION
Zhytomyrshchyna was the last region I embroidered, and for some reason, it was the hardest to decide on.But then it became clear—its forests are truly unique. This region is also rich in amber, a precious resource exported worldwide.Amber has been cherished by humanity for thousands of years. Archaeological excavations across Scandinavia, Ukraine, Poland, and the Baltic states confirm its deep historical roots. Many of these sites have revealed primitive amber artifacts, proving its importance across different civilizations.Even in Ukraine, archaeological digs continue to uncover ancient amber craftsmanship, preserving its legacy through time.
Final Words
As I complete the embroidery of Ukraine, there is one final message to share.
On the artwork, I have stitched a quote:
“...so that the dreams of Ukrainian children may remain on the land of Ukraine.”
This thought was born in the depths of my life far from home. Yet, my unwavering faith remains—that one day, Ukraine will adorn itself in the garments of Victory and flourish in all the vibrant colors of life. That we, Ukrainians, will no longer be forced to leave our homeland as migrant workers, refugees, or exiles, but only as travelers—exploring the world with no barriers in our way.
Europe, and the world as a whole, is rich in history, beauty, and diversity—it has much to admire. But everything feels different when your permanent life is lived in a foreign land. It fragments your identity.
You become aware of a painful truth:
Here, abroad, you are not at home. And there, where you were born, you are no longer at home either.
This conflict constantly divides your values, your sense of belonging, your culture, and ultimately, your very self. Stability and comfort may hold you in place, preventing you from leaving one country or another. I call this "one-sided happiness". But the soul?—It is constantly torn between the familiar and the foreign, until one day, it cries out: “I am a stranger here.”
I firmly believe that everything begins with a dream—a pure dream. And children's dreams, innocent and transparent, are heard by God. They are the foundation upon which we build our lives.
Childhood dreams are like pristine springs, bubbling and rushing forward with unstoppable energy. They are unbreakable and life-giving. As they overflow their small basins, they become delicate, singing streams, merging into rivers that nourish the villages, towns, and regions they pass through. As they gather strength, they flow into the seas—the great regions of the nation—and finally, they unite into the Ocean—our Country.
This is how a Nation is formed, shaped by its destined path.
For childhood dreams are inseparable from adult life, just as a spring is inseparable from the Ocean.
That is why I hold deep faith and pray to God:
“...so that the dreams of Ukrainian children may remain on the land of Ukraine.”
UKRAINE WILL BLOSSOM IN THE DESTINED COLORS OF VICTORY.